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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Circus is coming to town

M.D. Kincaid Correspondent

It’s circus time again, with all the thrills, chills, fun and excitement of the big top. Next Saturday at Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Jordan World Circus brings its act to town, with two-hour shows at 3:30 p.m. and 7.

Known for daring aerialists on the trapeze performing high-wire acts above the crowds, the Jordan Circus also features clowns, comedy and gymnastic acts, human cannon balls, juggling and “feats of strength, balance, flexibility and agility.”

Animal acts include house cats. That’s right, the same cats known as strongly independent, sometimes indifferent and not normally considered performers, amaze crowds with their dancing, gymnastics and other ruses.

Susan Sheryll’s Royal Afghan champion dogs perform “captivating canine antics.” A circus wouldn’t be a circus without elephants, or as Jordan Circus calls them, “magnificent mammals of monumental maneuverings in the ring,” and George Carden’s pachyderms fill the bill. Camels, ponies and Liberty horses complete the show.

The circus’ appearance is sponsored by the Calam Shriners, based in Lewiston. Coeur d’Alene Shriner Robert Turnipseed says proceeds benefit Shrine Temple operations. The Shrine Circus has been a tradition for more 98 years, performing in more than 120 cities annually.

Turnipseed agrees with the Shrine of North America Web site statement that many think of Shriners as “those guys who always have those parades with the wild costumes and funny cars,” or “the guys who wear those funny hats – like flowerpots.” However, he wants the public to know why the organization calls itself “the World’s Greatest Philanthropy.”

“We sponsor 650 children in our area for medical care” from Riggins to the Canadian border, explains Turnipseed, who served as the highest-ranking officer of the Shrine of North America.

The Shriners have 22 hospitals — 18 orthopedic, three burn units and a new facility that also treats spinal injuries. Turnipseed adds Shriners spend $1.7 million per day for research and care of patients and that children, from birth to 18, get top medical care with no cost to their families. The closest Shrine hospital to North Idaho is the 30-bed orthopedic unit in Spokane.

In a proclamation by Governor Kempthorne in 2000, the Shriners were cited for treating more than 17,500 Idaho children, free of charge.

So go to the circus, see the “daring young men on the flying trapeze,” laugh at the clowns, be amazed by the animals, enjoy the Shriner popcorn, and support a great cause. Tickets, available at the door, are $10 for adults and $8 for children.